Educational reference
About this symptom
This describes acting on impulse with little regard for consequences, in a way that departs from a person's usual judgement: unplanned spending, gambling, sexual behaviour carrying risk, fast driving, quitting a job, or sudden travel.
It is not the same as ordinary spontaneity. What marks it out is the departure from that person's normal decision-making, the reduced weighing of risk, and the frequency with which the decisions are regretted afterwards.
It is a recognised feature of mania and hypomania, where it accompanies elevated mood, increased energy and heightened confidence. It also occurs with substance use, in some impulse-control conditions, and following certain brain injuries.
The consequences are often what bring a person into contact with services: debt, legal difficulty, relationship breakdown or harm. Where safety is at risk, urgent assessment is appropriate - see our crisis resources page if there is immediate danger.